UMUAHIA — In a move that highlights the growing trend of “politics without bitterness” in Abia State, Mrs. Ezinne Benjamin Kalu, wife of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, was a special guest at the 61st birthday celebration of Governor Alex Otti on Wednesday evening, February 18, 2026.
Acting as an official representative for her husband, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, her presence at the banquet in Umuahia has sparked intense conversation among political observers who see it as a significant gesture of inter-party camaraderie.
A Message of Transformation
While the Deputy Speaker and the Governor have often sat on opposite sides of the political fence, the tone at the birthday event was one of mutual respect. Mrs. Kalu, in her goodwill message, reportedly spoke warmly of the visible developments taking place across the state under the Otti administration.
“I am here to convey the warmest regards of my husband and our entire family to the Governor on this milestone,” she stated. The gesture is being viewed by many as a sophisticated way for the Deputy Speaker to acknowledge the Governor’s work while maintaining his own political identity as a leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“The Art of the Possible” — Nigerians React
The appearance of Mrs. Kalu at a Labour Party (LP) Governor’s event has been met with a mix of curiosity and praise by Abians, many of whom are tired of the “war of words” that often defines the state’s politics.
- “Sophisticated Diplomacy”: “Sending his wife was a masterstroke by Ben Kalu,” remarked one political analyst in Umuahia. “It shows that behind the legislative debates in Abuja, there is a personal respect between these two leaders. It’s a win for Abia’s image.”
- “Focus on Development”: On social media, the sentiment has been largely positive. “This is how politics should be. You can disagree on policy but still celebrate a man’s life,” a viral post on X (formerly Twitter) noted. “It suggests that the newly signed Electoral Act and the 2027 race haven’t completely destroyed the bridges between our leaders.”
- “The Big Picture”: Some observers suggest this “family diplomacy” could be a precursor to more formal collaborations on federal projects for the state, moving past recent clashes over project attribution.
A Formal Congratulation
Following the banquet, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu released an official statement via his media office, describing Governor Otti as a “brother and a leader committed to the growth of our dear state.” He wished the Governor many more years of “sound health and wisdom” as he steers the affairs of Abia.
As of Thursday afternoon, February 19, the Abia State Government has expressed its appreciation for the visit, signaling that while the 2027 elections will eventually bring competition, for now, the “birthday truce” holds firm.
